Jakarta`s Traffic Congestion Inflicts Rp100 Trillion Losses

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Traffic congestion in and around Jakarta is expected to inflict an estimated Rp100 trillion in losses this year, according to the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).

To reduce the unnecessary losses, the Jabodetabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang, Depok and Bekasi) Transportation Management Board (BPTJ) of the Transportation Ministry, along with regional governments and other related agencies has prepared several breakthroughs that must be implemented soon, BPTJ Chief Bambang Prihartono said in a discussion on Sunday.

"The BPTJ has discussed the various breakthroughs with the Jakarta governor and vice governor as well as with heads of local governments of Bogor, Tangerang, Depok and Bekasi," he said.

The BPTJ will continue to coordinate with the Jakarta provincial government to follow up on public transport service improvement and traffic control program, he said.

Bambang said the issue of traffic congestion in and around Jakarta is serious, with the ratio of vehicles to roads close to 1, meaning that it must be handled soon.

While the number of motorcyclists continues to increase, the role of public transport means is low, he said.

"Right now, the number of public transport passengers reaches 19.9 percent in Jakarta and 20 percent in Bodetabek," he said.

ANTARA